asked the Minister of Agriculture how frequently do the present Commissioners of His Majesty's Woods and Forests meet; by what method do they decide as to the letting of Crown property and the granting of building leases; and whether any decision arrived at by the Commissioners has to be unanimous?

The former practice of assigning separate duties to each Commissioner of Woods was not followed when Sir George Leveson Gower retired on the 18th May last. The two present Commissioners are, therefore, now jointly responsible for all the Crown's estates. The permanent Commissioner is authorised to deal himself with routine matters, but he has to obtain the concurrence of the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries as ex officio Commissioner on all matters of importance, and they meet accordingly, as and when necessary. The Commissioners are in the position of trustees, and follow the recognised practice in granting leases of Crown land, with the assistance of experienced professional advisers. Decisions of the Commissioners must be unanimous, but, in the case of disagreement, the Treasury decides.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable complaint on the part of the public in having to pay large surveyors' and architects' fees before his Department will consider any proposal at all?

I am not aware of that. If the hon. Gentleman will send in particulars, I will have the matter gone into.